Phenom Summer Havoc: Observations

Prep Hoops made the trip up to Rock Hill once again to cover the Phenom Summer Havoc. The event had plenty of talent from top to bottom and we were able to cover the opening few days of the 4-day event during the NCAA Live Period. Let’s take a look at some observations from the opening few days before diving into all the coverage. #RecruitThePalmettoState

Upward Stars Pee Dee Has 3-Headed Monster:

Jamarie Brown Jamarie Brown 6'3" | PG South Florence | 2024 State SC , Damon Howey Damon Howey 6'0" | CG Camden | 2024 State SC and Deuce Hudson provide a solid punch from the backcourt for this Pee Dee based squad. Brown is an extremely athletic guard from out top with good length. Howey will have a new address this coming season at Camden HS. Damon scored the ball in a variety of ways today.

Hudson will do a postgraduate year at Combine Academy in North Carolina. Deuce simply overpowered defenders to the basket and really looked to absorb contact while getting to the foul line in return.

Upward Stars Columbia Has Good Opening Day:

Alex Atkinson Alex Atkinson 6'9" | C Lower Richland | 2024 State SC certainly will be a Stock-Riser in the next 2024 Palmetto State Rankings which will be happening quite soon. Atkinson has really expanded his game and skill level over the past 6 months. Alex is knocking down the three-ball now and really transforming game and confidence on the floor.

TJ Bell TJ Bell 5'11" | PG Westwood | 2024 State SC came out making shots here today from the perimeter. TJ connected on five three-pointers according to my unofficial stats. Madden Collins Madden Collins 6'3" | SG Christ School | 2025 State NC is now a member in the 2025 Hoop State Class. Collins reclassified after winning a Class 4A State Championship at Irmo HS is now at the Christ School (NC).

Tale of 2 Halves:

The Carolina Rebels jumped on Upward Stars Pee Dee Regional at the halftime break and were up 37-20. Fast forward Upward Stars Pee Dee Regional playing with just 5 players got back in the game and took the lead at 56-52 with 1:29 left in the game.

Nigel Chivers Nigel Chivers 5'11" | CG Lugoff-Elgin | 2025 State SC came up big down the stretch for the Carolina Rebels while scoring the go-ahead bucket and scoring the last 5 points of the game to secure the win. Chivers would finish with 12 points. Teon Tindal Teon Tindal 6'8" | PF Crestwood | 2025 State SC led the Rebels with 15 points while guard Bryson Taylor Bryson Taylor 5'10" | PG Dutch Fork | 2025 State SC added 13 points.

SyRee Livingston SyRee Livingston 6'2" | SF South Florence | 2024 State SC was extremely effective around the cup all game long for Upward Stars Pee Dee Regional and finished with 25 points while forward Maleek Taylor Maleek Taylor 6'6" | SF Darlington | 2024 State SC added 18 points in the overtime loss.

Shots Fired:

Upward Stars Upstate Harvey came out and knocked down 18 three-pointers in a great win over the Charleston Raptors. Brady Poole Brady Poole 6'1" | SG Chesnee | 2024 State SC led the way with 24 points while connecting 6 three-pointers. Kayzzin McDowell Kayzzin McDowell 6'2" | SG Byrnes | 2024 State SC chipped in with 15 points on 5 three-pointers while Owen Stewart Owen Stewart 6'4" | SG Mauldin | 2024 State SC added 11 points while making three from behind the arc.

Raptors 1-1 On Opening Day:

The Charleston Raptors are just playing in its 2nd tourney all spring and summer in the Palmetto State. The Raptors started the day with a victory over WNC Elite before falling to Upward Stars Upstate Harvey in a tight one.

Clyde Mauldin Clyde Mauldin 6'5" | SF Porter Gaud | 2024 State SC was extremely effective with his play from the forward position today. Taye Robinson Taye Robinson 6'4" | SF First Baptist | 2024 State SC was sticking jumpers out on the perimeter. Travis Stickney Travis Stickney 6'1" | PG Oceanside Collegiate | 2024 State SC a point guard was getting to the paint and to the gaps very easily today. Cooper Kowalski Cooper Kowalski 6'9" | PF First Baptist | 2024 State SC has really improved his game over the past year and combo guard Robert Watson Robert Watson 6'2" | CG Philip Simmons | 2024 State SC just brings constant effort. This team has plenty of recruitable players for the next level.

Stay tune all week long as we look into these players and teams right here on your source for basketball coverage in the Palmetto State. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE today and use the code “Swanny20” at checkout to save 20% off your subscription.